This week we were so excited to get a sneak peek of the brand new American Girl store that’s opening this weekend at the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto.

I’m not totally sure why we were so excited because neither my daughter nor I had ever actually seen an American Girl doll in person or knew anything about the American Girl phenomenon. In fact, when I told my daughter we were going - I actually pulled her out of school for this special occasion - she asked me if it was like another certain flaxen-haired impossibly proportioned doll.

“No!” I gasped. Not that same thing at all.

Not sure how she’d react, I waited…and when she walked in the American Girl store, her eyes literally popped out of her head!

She was so pleased to get a sticker when we were greeted at the entrance. The star represents the brand’s message: “Celebrating girls and all that they can be” and encouraging girls to “Follow your inner star®.”

In her words, the store is “like a hotel full of dolls!” And it certainly is impressive with a winding staircase leading up to the doll salon, where your dolls’ hair can be styled, and the Bistro, where you can enjoy tea with your doll or event throw a birthday party.

If you want to see for yourself, be sure to get there early tomorrow. The earliest you can begin to lineup is 7am on Saturday for the 9am opening and 8am on Sunday for the 10am opening.

• A free gift for all girls in attendance.
• Free craft activities in the mall.
• Live entertainment for guests waiting in line and in the mall, including face painters and balloon artists.
• Drawings for a Saige doll (valued at $110) on 11/16 and 11/17.
• Purchase with Purchase Promotion - Get the exclusive Breakfast in Bed Set for $16 with a purchase of $50 or more. Available starting on November 13, 2013 through December 15, 2013 or while supplies last.

Has your daughter been introduced to American Girl yet? Are you a fan as a parent?

So far my verdict is that although they are on the higher end of everyday dolls, at $129 for a doll, book, and accessories, not counting any extra outfits, furniture, or books, the dolls are high quality and age-appropriate in that they resemble real young girls rather than over-sexualized tweens or fully grown sex kittens.

Another great feature is the pairing of each doll with her very own book (always looking for a way to grow an interest in reading and building our literacy skills!). The only thing I am not that keen on: the dolls are so lifelike that sometimes I think someone else is in the room with us! Other than that, I think they’re a nice addition to our toy collection and in line with our #raisingthinkingkids and #raisingthinkinggirls philosophy. My daughter is learning to care for her new friend and explore different role playing activities, which helps her navigate different emotional or unfamiliar situations in real life.

Disclaimer: As a member of the media, I received a free tour and access to the soft launch of the Stanford Shopping Center American Girl store in Palo Alto, California (#AmericanGirlSF), before it officially opened to the public. We also received free books and a doll accessory, but our purchase of “Emily” and her accessory set was all “Santa.” He came early this year.

Parents and friends: for more ideas, activities, and inspiration for #RaisingThinkingKids, click on an icon below to join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ and Twitter.

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Chrissy – who has written 426 posts on The Outlaw Mom® Blog - Creative Living in a Conventional World.

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